5 Delicious Picks to Help You FEEL YOUR ALL-TIME BEST
The warm weather health hassles that sap the vitality of 99 percent of women over 50 won’t put a damper on your sunny day fun, thanks to these scrumptious superfoods
1 ICED COFFEE SOOTHES SORE MUSCLES
Sipping this chilled brew daily cuts the risk of stiff, achy muscles by 25 percent or more, say researchers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. The study authors credit coffee’s blend of caffeine and antioxidants, which increase the body’s pain threshold and reduce inflammation. Plus, the polyphenols in coffee speed tissue healing to help you bounce back faster if you do overdo it.
2 BEEF INCREASES ENERGY
The risk of tiredness-triggering iron and folic acid shortfalls doubles during summer since the body uses these nutrients to adapt to humidity. But Harvard researchers say eating 4 oz. of beef daily delivers the iron and folic acid needed to cut the risk of shortfalls in half — and the effect is so powerful, it can provide an instant shot of pep if you’re already feeling worn-down.
4 CARROTS EASE GI PROBLEMS
Steamy days can disrupt GI function and double the risk of indigestion. To sidestep uncomfortable symptoms, try adding a cup of carrots to your daily diet. The crunchers are one of nature’s best sources of a plant compound that has been shown to reduce inflammation in the GI tract and stimulate the release of digestive enzymes to ease stomach discomfort.
3 LENTILS BOOST BRAINPOWER
Increased perspiration combined with the physiological strain of dealing with rising temperatures depletes the body’s stores of brain energizing folate, doubling the risk of deficiencies. But a research team from Yale University found that enjoying 1 cup of lentils daily can optimize levels of this B vitamin, helping to boost concentration and alertness by 32 percent.
5 LEMONS WARD OFF STRESS
Exposure to heat amps up the body’s production of stress hormones, but enjoying a lemony treat can keep tension levels in check. According to Stanford University researchers, breathing in the citrus aroma calms the nervous system to lower cortisol output within 60 seconds while lemon’s vitamin C regulates stress-hormone production long-term.